'I don't see why I would help QPR' - Barton keen for Marseille stay after Rs' relegation

By Sam Gilliland

The 30-year-old is enjoying life in France with his loan move set to end and is willing to take a pay cut to help negotiations, but has no desire to play in the Championship

Marseille loanee Joey Barton has reiterated his desire to join the Ligue 1 outfit on a permanent basis, insisting he has no intention of playing in the Championship with QPR.

The former Manchester City and Newcastle man made the loan move to France in August 2012 when Mark Hughes was in charge at Loftus Road, but current Rs boss Harry Redknapp has hinted at a possible return next season.

QPR owner Tony Fernandes has warned Barton that he will be expected to help the club's promotion fight if a move to Marseille does not materialise, but the midfielder feels his lack of involvement this term means he is not obligated to play in the Championship.

"I want to stay in Marseille, I said it the minute I arrived here," Barton told reporters. "I talked with the chiefs of Marseille but I have a contract with QPR who pays me a high salary.

"I'm realistic, maybe in France only Paris could pay me the same wages as QPR but I do not want to go to Paris.

"Money is not the most important, I do not care about that. I made the choice to play for Marseille, I hope we can find a compromise with QPR.

"I played ten seasons in England, it will miss me, but if I stay here, I'll play for a club that I love and who loves me. Is it going to be the same scenario if I come back to London?

"QPR no longer play in the Premier League and I only played one season in the second division, when Newcastle went down. I was not part of the team of QPR this season who was relegated, I do not see why I would help them next season."

Barton, though, has revealed that other clubs have shown an interest in acquiring his services for next season, but he only has eyes for Marseille.

He continued: "There are other clubs interested, I spoke with three or four other clubs. But I'm not interested I'm happy here. When you have a pretty woman at home, there is no reason to look elsewhere."